Review: Bessler Studio

14 Feb 2025

Last weekend, I rented a photography studio in Emeryville inside the Bessler Building (next Best Buy and Home Depot).

From the perspective of a portrait photographer, here’s a summary of my experience:

Address
4053 Harlan Street Studio 316, Emeryville, CA 94608

Strengths

1. Several C-stands.

2. High-quality sand bags.

3. High ceilings.

4. Black-out curtains.

5. Generous supply of natural light.

6. Very nice area for clients to prep

   1. enclosed bathroom.

7. Full-size body mirror

8. Apple boxes.

Cons

1. Incredibly long distance from building entrance to studio itself.

   1. Needs permission to enter building

2. Unexpectedly warm (at times hot, despite being early February).

3. Fan in the center blocks a lifted light.

4. Black out curtains allow vertical slivers light in.

   1. The gap between blackout curtains remains an issue even if you close the two panels complete (gap).

5. Lacks a heavy-duty roller stand for the main light.

Description:

Perhaps the most important to me is the floor plan and availability of natural light. Here, that was satisfied, so all of my pictures turn out to be effective. The Cons are all relatively minor, and can be adjusted if I come back. I literally got in at 9:45am, and had my first client at 10am, and was back to back until the end at 3pm. My friend Sarah magically appeared in the last 15 minutes and provided crucial help as I was packing down and going group shots outside.

Would i rent it again? Yes. Do I need an assistant to ensure the clients have a way inside while I am working with somebody? Yes. Is the space professionally set up? Absolutely. The price is decent ($100/hour), but there is a cleaning fee ($100).

The manager was very courteous and responsive and easy to work with.

★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)